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Orthopaedics in India: Q&A with Dr. Ram Prabhoo

IOA president
discusses challenges and opportunities for Indian orthopaedists

Dr. Ram Prabhoo, president of the Indian Orthopaedic
Association (IOA), recently shared his insights about the practice of
orthopaedics in India. According to Dr. Prabhoo, although Indian orthopaedists
face challenges in providing musculoskeletal care to their country’s large
population, they also have more access than ever before to high-quality
musculoskeletal education, including AAOS programs conducted in India.

Dr. Ram Prabhoo

Q: Outside of
trauma, what are the three most common orthopaedic conditions in India, and how
does the profession treat them?

A: In my
opinion, the most common problem would be tuberculosis, followed by pediatric
and congenital problems. Tuberculosis is still a big problem. It is treated
with a multi-disciplinary approach. Patients undergo surgical intervention when
the need arises. These patients have a long follow-up period—2 years, ideally.

There are close to 200 pediatric orthopaedic surgeons who
treat the bulk of congenital and pediatric deformities, cerebral palsy,
scoliosis, etc., at tertiary care centers.

Q: What is the IOA’s
greatest strength? As president, what is your vision for orthopaedics in India?

A: The IOA
enjoys the unique position of overseeing regional and subspecialty societies
across our vast country. The IOA is primarily an educational body helping the
next generation get empowered by taking various courses, seminars,
instructional course lectures, and surgical skills workshops. Our organization
also provides various fellowships and observerships to enhance and update the
knowledge of not only trainees but also practicing orthopaedic surgeons.

As president, my aim is to get the IOA on par with other
international organizations. I look forward to an era where the IOA becomes the
premier educational organization for Indian orthopaedic surgeons.

Q: What is the significance
for Indian orthopaedic surgeons of India being named Guest Nation for the 2017
AAOS Annual Meeting?

A: The
Executive Committee of the IOA feels honored and humbled to be the Guest Nation
for the 2017 AAOS Annual Meeting. It provides an international platform for
Indian orthopaedic surgeons to showcase their skills and knowledge.

Q: The Academy has
been partnering with the IOA on programming in India for many years. Can you
speak to the benefits of this partnership?

A: AAOS
programs conducted in India have been very well received and appreciated by the
Indian orthopaedic community. They have also generated a lot of interest among
young people, a fact evident from the enthusiastic and large Indian contingent
that is here in San Diego.

Q: What is the role
of digital education in India?

A: India is
proud to be at the forefront of digital technology. We are the largest
exporters of software in the world. This has also positively affected education
in India. Most Indian educational materials are now available as ebooks. All
journals published in India have ejournals. And a majority of young people
subscribe and actively publish in international ejournals. The e-platform has
helped in the dissemination of knowledge across our country.

Q: What is the
biggest obstacle related to education in India?

A: As is the
case with all our problems, our biggest obstacles in education are financial
constraints and the enormous population. A minor hiccup we also face is the
reluctance of a section of orthopaedic surgeons to update their knowledge. But
things are improving and the younger generation can look forward to better
times ahead.

Q: Long-term, what
kind of collaboration would you like to see between U.S. and Indian surgeons?

A: We look
forward to developing a fellowship exchange program and greater participation
in the
Annual Meeting academic activities.

Q: What do you
think U.S. surgeons can learn from Indian orthopaedists?

A: Indian
orthopaedists can share their knowledge about how to manage complex problems within
a stipulated budget and how to deliver good results in spite of limited
resources. U.S. surgeons may also be amazed to learn about the pace at which
the indigenous implant and surgical manufacturing industry has progressed.